2024 GPAC Championships / NAIA Qualifier Results (PDF)
CRETE, Neb. – In terms of scoring, the Concordia University Competitive Dance team made improvement while in competition at the 2024 GPAC Championships/NAIA Qualifier hosted by Doane on Friday (March 8). The Bulldogs earned scores of 82.07 in the prelims and 81.83 in the finals and placed fifth in the GPAC and sixth in the region with a total score of 81.89. The total score is the cumulative figure after taking 25 percent of the prelims score and 75 percent of the finals score.
From an individual perspective, Ryleigh Flesner earned First Team All-GPAC accolades and Hannah Bitner garnered Honorable Mention All-GPAC recognition. Six Bulldogs auditioned for GPAC awards while showcasing their skills in front of the judges.
Head Coach Mandi Maser’s squad bumped up its GPAC competition score as compared to the 81.31 it posted a year ago. The top five teams in this year’s competition were Midland, Doane, Viterbo, Morningside and Dordt.
“This is a special group of young women that have done so much to build our program,” Maser said. “Today Concordia Dance made me very proud to be their coach. They worked hard to perform at their best and we had two great showings. We are in a tough conference and represented Concordia and ourselves extremely well. We executed our high difficulty technical skills the best we have throughout the season and entertained the crowd with our routine. Now we wait to see if the NAIA selection committee rewards us with an at-large bid to nationals.”
Concordia was represented at the GPAC Championships by seven athletes, including seniors Avery Lewis and Maddie Wittstruck. The other five Bulldogs who took to the dance floor were freshman Hanna Bitner, sophomore Ryleigh Flesner, sophomore Taylor Larsen, sophomore Elise O’Neill and freshman Kaylee Powell. Flesner has put together another strong season after being named an NAIA Second Team All-American as a freshman.
The 82.07 that Concordia put on the board in the prelims represented a season high score. Its previous best was an 82.0 in the season opening home triangular on Jan. 20. The Bulldogs entered the weekend ranked 11th in the NAIA for average score (80.32). Concordia has scored in the 80s in six of its seven routines this season.
GPAC Championships competition roster:
· Hanna Bitner (Valentine, Neb.)
· Ryleigh Flesner (Greeley, Colo.)
· Taylor Larsen (Ravenna, Neb.)
· Avery Lewis (Seward, Neb.)
· Elise O’Neill (North Platte, Neb.)
· Kaylee Powell (Central City, Neb.)
· Maddie Wittstruck (Milford, Neb.)
2024 competition results
1/20 – 82.0 (triangular vs. CSM/Hastings)
1/27 – Placed 3rd at CIT
2/9 – 76.77 (5th out of 14 at York Invite)
2/10 – 80.43 (dual vs. William Penn)
2/10 – 81.03 (dual vs. Benedictine)
2/17 – 81.4 (3rd of 9 at Dordt Invite)
3/8 – 82.07 | 81.83 (6th at GPAC Championships/NAIA Qualifier)
For those who qualify, the season will continue with the 2024 NAIA Competitive Cheer and Dance National Championship in Ypsilanti, Mich., March 29-30. Qualifiers will be announced next week by the NAIA.